countyscore
47.7
County Score
Cost of Living 93.1Disaster Risk 91.3Safety 55.8

County Report Card

About Briscoe County, Texas

Affordable Living Near the Median

Briscoe County holds a composite score of 47.7, sitting just below the national median of 50.0. It offers a classic rural experience with significant strengths in affordability. The county represents a stable, traditional way of life.

Above Average for the State

Briscoe’s 47.7 score is comfortably above the Texas state average of 41.9. This makes it a more livable option than many other rural Texas counties. It provides a level of environmental safety and cost-effectiveness that stands out in the region.

Extreme Affordability and High Safety

The county boasts an exceptional cost score of 93.1, with median home values at only $82,900. It also features a superior risk score of 91.3, meaning it is very safe from natural disasters. Residents benefit from a low-stress, low-cost environment.

Limited Earnings and Health Services

Economic opportunities are low, evidenced by an income score of 3.5 and a median income of $41,188. Health services are also a major gap with a score of 2.5. Additionally, the water infrastructure score is nearly zero at 0.1.

A Quiet Haven for Fixed-Income Living

Briscoe County is best suited for retirees or individuals on a fixed income who want to own a home for under $85,000. It offers peace of mind through its high environmental safety and low costs. It is the ultimate destination for those looking to stretch their savings in a safe place.

2040608010032.293.155.82.548.33.591.30.155.3Tax32.2Cost93.1Safety55.8Health2.5Schools48.3Income3.5Risk91.3Water0.1Weather55.347.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Briscoe County DNA

Foverall

How Briscoe County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Briscoe County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (93.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (0.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
32.2-19.799999999999997
Cost
93.1+45.099999999999994
Safety
55.8
Health
2.5-47.5
Schools
48.3
Income
3.5-47.5
Risk
91.3+44.3
Water
0.1-57.9
Weather
55.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$82,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$692/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$82,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $41,188/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Floyd County
Texas
49.5
Swisher County
Texas
35.2
Hall County
Texas
57.5
Armstrong County
Texas
37.1
Donley County
Texas
55.4
Motley County
Texas
50.4
Hale County
Texas
36.6
Randall County
Texas
44.5

Deep Dives

Briscoe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Briscoe County

via TaxByCounty

Briscoe ranks as lightly taxed nationally

Briscoe County's effective tax rate of 1.084% sits essentially at the national median of 1.09%, placing it squarely in the middle of U.S. counties on tax burden. However, the median property tax of just $899 falls far below the national median of $2,690, thanks to significantly lower home values.

Below-average rate for Texas

At 1.084%, Briscoe County's effective rate runs below Texas's 1.276% average, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state. The median tax of $899 is merely 41% of the Texas median of $2,193, reflecting Briscoe's modest property values.

Comparable to nearby low-tax counties

Briscoe County's 1.084% rate closely mirrors Borden County's 0.468% and Bosque County's 1.008%, placing it in the state's lighter-tax tier. All three counties share affordability characteristics that appeal to budget-conscious homeowners.

Your median annual tax bill: $899

On Briscoe County's median home value of just $82,900, homeowners pay approximately $899 per year without a mortgage and $1,500 with one. These modest tax bills reflect both the county's reasonable effective rate and lower property market values.

Verify your appraisal is accurate

Even in low-tax Briscoe County, homeowners should confirm their property valuations are fair and defensible. Filing a free appeal with the county appraisal district could further reduce an already light tax load.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Briscoe County

via CostByCounty

Briscoe's bargain rents offset tight budgets

Briscoe County's median household income of $41,188 ranks among Texas's lowest—45% below the U.S. average—yet the 20.2% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable. At just $692 monthly rent, residents enjoy some of the state's most accessible housing costs.

Briscoe balances poverty with affordability

Despite one of Texas's lowest income levels, Briscoe County's 20.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks above average for the state, reflecting the challenge of sparse population and limited economic opportunity. However, the $692 monthly rent helps working families stay housed.

Briscoe offers Panhandle's cheapest rents

Briscoe's $692 monthly rent is among the lowest in the Texas Panhandle, with only Childress and Motley counties offering similarly low rates. The $82,900 median home value is one of the state's most affordable, rivaling only the poorest rural counties.

Homeownership costs are minimal

Briscoe's $399 monthly owner cost represents just 11.6% of median income—extraordinarily low and far below the rent burden. For the rare buyer in this county, mortgages are nearly invisible relative to income, making homeownership the clear financial advantage.

Briscoe suits those seeking bare minimums

Briscoe County's $692 rent and $82,900 home value represent Texas's most affordable housing options, ideal for those prioritizing cost over amenities. However, extremely low incomes and sparse services mean this High Plains county suits only those committed to rural life.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Briscoe County

via IncomeByCounty

Briscoe County faces severe national income deficit

Briscoe County's median household income of $41,188 falls 45% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lowest-income tier nationally. Its per capita income of $40,723 notably exceeds the Texas state average of $33,197, suggesting income inequality or unique demographic patterns within the county.

Among Texas's lowest-income counties

At $41,188, Briscoe County's median household income is 36% below the Texas state average of $64,737, ranking it near the bottom among the state's counties. The significant gap reflects limited employment diversity and economic opportunity in this rural region.

Second-lowest earner in regional comparison

Briscoe's $41,188 household income outearns only Brooks ($31,310) among this county group but substantially trails all other neighbors. The county faces severe income disadvantages relative to mid-tier performers like Borden ($64,250) and Bosque ($69,339).

Affordable housing is main economic advantage

Briscoe County's 20.2% rent-to-income ratio and low median home value of $82,900 represent the county's primary affordability strength. Housing costs remain manageable, but the low median household income of $41,188 still limits household wealth accumulation.

Stability and gradual growth essential for Briscoe residents

With median household income at $41,188, Briscoe County residents should establish emergency funds and explore stable employment before investing. Taking advantage of low housing costs to build home equity can provide a foundation for long-term wealth while pursuing income-boosting opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Briscoe County

via CrimeByCounty

High Panhandle Security Score

Briscoe County earns a strong 98.4 safety score, reflecting its quiet rural environment. The total crime rate of 1,007.8 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the State Average

Briscoe's safety score of 98.4 comfortably exceeds the Texas average of 96.8. Its reported crime rate is about half the state average, though data comes from a single agency and should be viewed with that context.

Rare Incident Reports

In the sparsely populated Panhandle, Briscoe maintains a very low incident profile compared to its neighbors. The absence of violent crime reports in recent data sets it apart from many surrounding areas.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes

The county reported zero violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. All reported incidents are property-related, occurring at a rate of 1,007.8 per 100,000.

Secure Your Equipment

Since property crime is the only recorded concern, residents should focus on securing tools and vehicles. Even in low-crime areas, maintaining basic home security is a best practice.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Briscoe County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural PK–12 Focus

Briscoe County operates a very small educational network with just 2 schools serving 396 total students. Both campuses are managed by separate districts and provide comprehensive PK–12 instruction for their rural populations.

Investing Heavily in Small Batches

The county spends $8,697 per pupil, which is over $1,000 more than the Texas state average. However, the graduation rate currently sits at 84.4%, and the county holds a school score of 54.2.

Silverton and Turkey-Quitaque Districts

The county is split between Silverton ISD and Turkey-Quitaque ISD, which serve 213 and 183 students respectively. No charter schools exist in the county, as the two traditional districts handle all local enrollment.

Exclusively Rural and Traditional

Both schools in the county are situated in rural locales and function as all-in-one campuses for every grade level. Silverton School is the larger of the two, with an enrollment of 213 students.

A Quiet Educational Retreat

Briscoe County is ideal for those seeking a rural lifestyle where everyone knows everyone at the local school. If a small, unified PK–12 environment is your goal, look for properties in Silverton or Quitaque.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Briscoe County

via RiskByCounty

Briscoe ranks among America's safest counties

Briscoe County's composite risk score of 8.75 earns a Very Low rating and sits 82% below the national average. This Texas Panhandle county faces minimal natural disaster exposure compared to most American communities.

One of Texas's lowest-risk counties

Briscoe's 8.75 score ranks among the absolute lowest in Texas, sitting just 18% of the state average of 49.00. Few counties in the state enjoy comparable protection from natural hazards.

Safest county in its High Plains region

Briscoe (8.75) significantly underperforms riskier neighbors like Borden (5.69) and Bosque (36.90) in regional comparisons. Its Panhandle location and flat terrain combine to create one of Texas's most secure disaster profiles.

Wildfire presents limited but real threat

Wildfire risk of 57.98 is Briscoe's only meaningful exposure, while tornado risk (15.33) remains below state norms. Flood, earthquake, and hurricane threats are negligible in this remote grassland county.

Standard insurance with wildfire rider suffices

Briscoe County's very low risk means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most properties. Adding wildfire coverage is a prudent and affordable step given the county's only notable hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Briscoe County

via WaterByCounty

Briscoe County Shows Extremely High Violation Rate

Briscoe County earns a Grade F with 107 health violations recorded over the past five years. The county's violation rate of 9,304.3 per 100,000 residents is nearly 16 times higher than the Texas state average of 581.9. This indicates widespread and persistent challenges in meeting federal drinking water safety standards.

Federal Assessment Gaps in Briscoe County

Local water bodies in Briscoe County have not yet been evaluated under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) criteria. There is no available data on the percentage of impaired waters or top pollutants for the current reporting cycle. The county's watershed health status remains unclassified in the federal ATTAINS database.

Limited Monitoring Footprint Focused on Nutrients

A single monitoring site in Briscoe County has recorded 44 measurements over the last five years. The data primarily covers physical characteristics, inorganics, and nutrients. This limited data set offers a narrow window into the county's overall water quality profile.

No Live USGS Streamflow Data Available

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage in Briscoe County providing real-time discharge data. This makes it difficult to assess the impact of weather patterns on local surface water levels. Management decisions rely primarily on groundwater monitoring and historical compliance records.

Prioritize Filtration and Testing for Safe Drinking

Due to a very high violation rate and limited monitoring sites, residents should take proactive steps to ensure water safety. Consider using certified filters to address inorganic contaminants and nutrients, which are key local monitoring targets. Independent testing is recommended for private well owners given the systemic compliance issues noted.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Briscoe County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temps and Panhandle Snow

Briscoe County's annual average of 58.6°F is closer to the national median than most of Texas. However, its 21.7 inches of rain is slightly lower than the typical U.S. precipitation level.

Coolest Among the Texas Plains

At 58.6°F, Briscoe County is nearly 7 degrees cooler than the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It also stands out for its 9.2 inches of annual snowfall, far exceeding the state norm.

Less Heat than Central Texas

Briscoe experiences only 74 extreme heat days, significantly fewer than the 116 seen in Brown County. Its climate is defined by the higher elevation and latitude of the Texas Panhandle region.

Distinct Seasons and Significant Snow

Winters are cold for Texas, averaging 39.4°F with 9.2 inches of snow. Summers are warm but manageable, with a July average of 79.2°F and fewer 90°F days than most of the state.

Prepare for Real Winter Weather

Unlike most of Texas, Briscoe residents need reliable snow removal tools and winterized plumbing for freezing nights. Effective home insulation is key for a county where January averages drop to 37.9°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Briscoe County

via SoilByCounty

High alkalinity on the Caprock

Briscoe County soils are notably alkaline with an average pH of 7.71. This is significantly higher than the national 6.5 median and the Texas average of 7.09. Such high pH levels can sometimes lock up iron and phosphorus for certain plant species.

Silty loam with a solid foundation

The soil mix features 43.4% sand, 31.1% silt, and 25.0% clay. This distribution creates a versatile silty loam that provides good physical support for crops. It offers a fair balance between drainage and the ability to hold onto mineral nutrients.

Impressive water storage capacity

Organic matter is slightly low at 1.51%, but the soil excels at holding water with a capacity of 0.142 in/in. This exceeds the state average of 0.133 in/in. This extra water storage is a vital asset for dryland farming in the Texas Panhandle.

High runoff potential in group D

The county's soils are categorized in hydrologic group D, indicating they are prone to runoff when saturated. This means that during heavy downpours, water may flow over the surface rather than soaking in immediately. Terracing and contour farming are helpful tools for local land management.

Cooler nights in zone 7b

At zone 7b, Briscoe County has a shorter growing season than coastal Texas but is ideal for winter wheat and cotton. Native grasses thrive in the high-capacity, alkaline soil. Start with hardy perennials that can handle the Panhandle wind and the alkaline earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Briscoe County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Texas Growing Conditions

Briscoe County's score of 33.6 is slightly better than the state average of 31.7, though still below the national median. As a Zone 7b county, it experiences cooler winters that impact grass variety choices.

Moderate Heat and Lower Rain

The county receives 21.7 inches of rain, which is below the ideal range and requires supplemental irrigation. On the plus side, there are only 74 extreme heat days, significantly fewer than the state average of 105.

Alkaline Soil and Sandy Texture

The soil pH of 7.71 is on the alkaline side, which can sometimes lock out iron and other nutrients. With 43.4% sand and 25.0% clay, the soil provides a balanced structure that generally drains well.

Persistent Dry Conditions to Watch

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry, though only 2.8% is in severe drought right now. Having faced 24 weeks of drought in the last year, establishing a water-wise routine early in the season is vital.

Pick for Cooler Zone 7b

Both Bermudagrass and Tall Fescue can perform well in this transition zone if properly irrigated. Because of the cooler climate, you should wait until after the April 13 spring frost to start your lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Briscoe County's county score?
Briscoe County, Texas has a composite county score of 47.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Briscoe County rank among counties in Texas?
Briscoe County ranks #80 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Briscoe County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Briscoe County is $899, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Briscoe County a tax score of 32.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Briscoe County?
The median household income in Briscoe County, Texas is $41,188 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Briscoe County earns an income score of 3.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Briscoe County, Texas a good place to live?
Briscoe County scores 47.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Briscoe County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Briscoe County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.